JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The city of Albany and the state Office for Aging Services played host to this year's Older New Yorkers' Day event. More than 200 people attended the program, as two volunteers for each county and others were recognized for their community service.

One of the honorees from Chautauqua County, Greg Peterson, was unable to attend the event.

"My only regret is not being able to be there in person,” he said. “I want to congratulate all the honorees. I think it's a spectacular recognition and I'm honored to be one of them."

What You Need To Know

  • May is Older Americans Month, a time for New York state to honor two people from each county

  • Greg Peterson from Chautauqua County was one of the many honorees

  • Each honoree is usually nominated by their local Office for Aging Services

Peterson, a 73-year-old attorney with Phillips Lytle in Jamestown, was honored for making a difference in his community.

"Much has been given to us and much should be returned, and so I as part of that have always looked forward to returning it in some form or fashion,” he said. “I found areas of which were of particular interest and concern of mine.”

One area of interest is late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson.

Peterson co-founded the Jackson Center in 2001, which aims to educate the community about his life, career and legacy.

Its theater is a venue for the Defenders of Freedom project, where Peterson has interviewed about 350 World War II veterans, as well as countless other prominent visitors.

"But it's been a team. If I get any credit, it's perhaps just being a stemwinder to get people who are involved and engaged and I'm delighted to see that they have,” he said. “The community's really adopted it.”

His other team, the Jamestown Tarpskunks, part of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, continues a decades-long legacy of America's favorite pastime.

When the previous franchise owner was going to leave the area and potentially sell the team, Peterson and a host of investors were able to create Jamestown Community Baseball LLC and keep the franchise.

"I'm proud and we all are proud,” he said. “[We’re] so glad that at this point we're feeling very confident about baseball continuing.”

His passion for the game is very much on display in his office.

His passion to give back is inspired in part by last year's Governor's Exemplary Service Award winner and friend, Russ Diethrick.

"In a small way you hope what you do is likewise received and received well, but most importantly it's yourself,” said Peterson. “The return on your investment and time is untold.”